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Uttarakhand Foundation Day – Statehood Movement and Political Agitation

PWOnlyIAS November 09, 2023 12:19 2953 0

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Context: Uttarakhand is celebrating its 23rd “Uttarakhand Foundation Day” or “Uttarakhand Divas” today, November 9. It was on this day in 2000, that Uttarakhand was created by carving out from Uttar Pradesh.

Uttarakhand Foundation Day – Statehood Movement and Political Agitation

About the Uttarakhand Foundation Day

  • Uttarakhand Foundation Day, also known as Uttarakhand Day or Uttarakhand Statehood Day is celebrated on November 9th every year.
  • The day is to commemorate the formation of the state of Uttarakhand, which was carved out of the northern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh on this day in 2000.

Uttarakhand Foundation Day

Uttarakhand Foundation Day – It’s Journey to Statehood

  • Uttarakhand Foundation Day – A Historical Background
    • The demand for a separate state of Uttarakhand can be traced back to the early 20th century when people from the region started advocating for political autonomy due to the neglect and underdevelopment of their areas.
    • Various social and political movements over the years sought to raise awareness about the issues faced by the people in the hilly areas and promote the idea of a separate state.
  • Agitation and Political Movements:
    • The statehood movement gained momentum in the 1990s. It was characterized by protests, rallies, and public demonstrations.
    • The Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) and other regional political parties played a significant role in mobilizing public support for the cause.
  • Key Milestones in the Formation of Uttarakhand:
    • On August 2, 2000, the Parliament of India passed the Uttar Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2000, which paved the way for the creation of a new state called Uttarakhand.
    • The Act officially came into effect on November 9, 2000, marking the formation of the state of Uttarakhand.
    • The state was created by carving out the hilly and mountainous regions of northern Uttar Pradesh, which had a distinct cultural, geographical, and demographic identity.
  • State Capital:
    • Initially, Dehradun was chosen as the interim capital of Uttarakhand. Later, in 2020, Gairsain was declared the summer capital. However, Dehradun remains the permanent capital of the state.

Glimpses On Uttarakhand Foundation Day – Exploring Uttarakhand

Features Description
Physiography
  • Bordered by: Tibet, Nepal, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Important mountain ranges: Uttarakhand is primarily situated in the Himalayan region, and it is home to several significant mountain ranges, including the Garhwal and Kumaon ranges. The state’s highest peaks, such as Nanda Devi and Trishul, are part of the Greater Himalayas.
  • Important rivers:
    • Ganges (Ganga): The Ganges River originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand and is one of the most sacred and important rivers in India. 
    • Yamuna: The Yamuna River also originates in the state, and it is another major river in the region. 
    • Alaknanda and Bhagirathi: These are two important tributaries of the Ganges that meet at Devprayag in Uttarakhand to form the Ganges.
  • Climate: In the Himalayan region, it experiences a cold mountain climate with heavy snowfall in the winter. The lower regions have a temperate climate, while the Terai and Bhabar areas in the south have a subtropical climate.
  • Soils: In the plains and Terai, there are fertile alluvial soils suitable for agriculture. In the hilly and mountainous areas, you can find a variety of soils, including mountain soils and forest soils.
  • Vegetation:  The state’s vegetation includes alpine meadows, coniferous forests, broadleaf forests, and subtropical forests.
Population
  • The natives of the state are generally called Uttarakhandi, or more specifically either Garhwali or Kumaoni by their region of origin.
  • According to the 2011 Census of India, Uttarakhand has a population of 10,086,292, making it the 20th most populous state in India.
  • The density of the population of Uttarakhand according to the 2011 census is 189. ​
  • Haridwar has the maximum population density in Uttarakhand (817).
Language
  • The majority of the population speaks Indo-Aryan languages and other languages, like Gharwali, Kumauni, Punjabi, and Nepali whereas the official language is Hindi.
Natural and Cultural Heritage
  • Uttarakhand is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites i.e., Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park.
  • Due to biodiversity present in the state 12 percent of the total geographical area is protected areas which includes 6 National Park, 7 Wildlife Sanctuary, 4 Conservation & 1 Biosphere Reserve.
Economic Growth
  • The Uttarakhand state is the second fastest-growing state in India. 
  • Its gross state domestic product (GSDP) (at constant prices) more than doubled from ₹24,786 crore in FY2005 to ₹60,898 crore in FY2012. 
  • The real GSDP grew at 13.7% (CAGR) during the FY2005–FY2012 period. 
  • Per capita income in Uttarakhand is ₹1,03,000 (FY 2013) which is higher than the national average of ₹74,920 (FY2013).
Politics
  • Politics in Uttarakhand is dominated by the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 
  • Since the formation of the state, these two parties have ruled the state in turns.
  • As of today, Pushkar Singh Dhami of the BJP is the current Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Leader of the House in the 5th Vidhan Sabha.
Tourism
  • Uttarakhand has many tourist places such as Mussoorie which is also known as Queen of Hills and Auli, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Uttarkashi, Nainital, Almora, Dhanaulti, Rudraprayag, and many more. 
  • These places attract thousands of tourists not only from India but from all over the world.

 

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

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Uttarakhand Foundation Day FAQs

Uttarakhand Foundation Day, also known as Uttarakhand Divas, is celebrated on November 9th each year to commemorate the formation of the state of Uttarakhand in 2000.

Uttarakhand was created to address the historical neglect and underdevelopment of the hilly and mountainous regions of northern Uttar Pradesh, giving them political autonomy and a distinct identity.

Political movements and protests, led by organizations like the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, played a crucial role in mobilizing public support for the statehood cause.

Uttarakhand officially became a state on November 9, 2000, following the passage of the Uttar Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2000.

Uttarakhand is primarily in the Himalayan region, known for its significant mountain ranges, the origin of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, and diverse climates and soils.

According to the 2011 Census, Uttarakhand had a population of 10,086,292, making it the 20th most populous state in India.

The majority of the population speaks Indo-Aryan languages, with Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Hindi being prominent, while the official language is Hindi.

Uttarakhand is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Park.

Uttarakhand's economy has been growing rapidly, with a significant increase in the gross state domestic product (GSDP) and a per capita income higher than the national average.

Pushkar Singh Dhami of the BJP is the current Chief Minister of Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand offers popular tourist destinations like Mussoorie, Auli, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Nainital, and more, attracting visitors from India and around the world.

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